Residency Requirements

In order for a court to have jurisdiction or the authority to preside over a divorce matter, most states have instituted residency requirements in which either one or both of the parties must have lived in the state for a certain period of time.

In Rhode Island, at least one party needs to be a resident of Rhode Island for a period of one year. If at least one party has not been a resident of Rhode Island for at least one year, then another state will likely have jurisdiction over your divorce, and you will likely have to file in that other state.

If you have any questions about the Residency Requirement or any other requirement for divorce, please contact a family law attorney.